Chairman of Friends of Cambusnethan Priory Graham Smith was left “disgusted” after bags of asbestos were dumped at the building just days after their latest clear up.

He explained: “Recently we did one of our clear up days and left the priory looking very tidy for upcoming visitor events.

“We did leave a pile of laminate flooring that had been fly tipped into the front basement stair, which we spent an hour lifting out and piling by the road for the council.

“Imagine our disgust and anger when a member of the public contacted us to advise that bags of asbestos had been dumped.”

Disappointed Wishaw councillor Fiona Fotheringham said: “Having spent time with volunteers at the priory, tidying up and building new paths, I am extremely disappointed that further fly tipping has taken place.

“Friends of Cambusnethan Priory are working hard to maintain and restore such a beautiful part of Wishaw’s heritage and I am angry that this is being abused.

“Volunteers cleared up previous fly tipping only to have more dumped midweek.

“North Lanarkshire Council have acted quickly to remove the rubbish and police are investigating.

“I would ask local communities to report any unusual behaviour of vans and cars in the area.

“I will continue to work with Friends of Cambusnethan Priory, North Lanarkshire Council and the police to ensure that this is an isolated incident and does not become a regular occurrence.”